ginger beer

American  

noun

1. a soft drink similar to ginger ale but containing more ginger flavor.

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ginger beer British  

noun

1. a slightly alcoholic drink made by fermenting a mixture of syrup and root ginger

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Etymology

Origin of ginger beer

First recorded in 1800–10

Compare meaning

How does ginger-beer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ginger ale vs. ginger beer

Example Sentences

To spice up your dry Moscow Mule, try combining ginger beer and lime juice with a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

When teacher Elaine Fraser collapsed at home after drinking a ginger beer, she had no idea she had an allergy.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

Doctors still haven't been able to work out which ingredient in the ginger beer triggered Elaine’s allergic reaction.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

They played cricket and rounders, drank ginger beer and ate cake sweet with margarine and coconut, Toussaint said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

Warrant Officer Swart baked bread, made home-brewed ginger beer and assorted other delicacies.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela